Register for Day Camp Christmas Tree
Summer 2024
Registration for 2024 Day Camp is coming soon.
Offerings, rates, and dates will change.
2023 options are listed below.
Traditional Options
Traditional Day Camp
Traditional camp is about exploration and discovery. Campers will explore by hiking, studying the wonder of nature, building connections through teamwork, and conquering many challenges under the leadership of well-trained staff. It exposes participants to various activities – including archery, swimming, nature studies, paddling, fort building, gaga ball, arts and crafts, cookouts, group games, and more – so that each camper leaves camp with a wide range of memories and experiences!
Grades 1–6 | $284 ($309)
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June 12–16
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June 19–23
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June 26–30
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July 5–7 | $182 ($197)
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July 10–14
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July 17–21
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July 24–28
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July 31–Aug 4
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Aug 7–11
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Aug 14–18
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Aug 21–25
Wee Backpackers
Start your child's appreciation of the great outdoors by enrolling them in Wee Backpackers! They have opportunities to sing songs, tell stories, explore nature, and meet new friends. Wee Backpackers happen in small groups under the watchful eye of counselors trained to meet the needs of young campers. The Wee Backpacker program maintains a low staff-to-child ratio.
Pre K–K | $304 ($329)
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June 12–16
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June 19–23
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June 26–30
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July 5–7 | $182 ($197)
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July 10–14
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July 17–21
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July 24–28
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July 31–Aug 4
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Aug 7–11
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Aug 14–18
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Aug 21–25
Summer Extravaganza
Summer Extravaganza is the last chance to enjoy the great outdoors at camp before summer ends! All available activities are jam-packed into a single session.
Grades 1–8 | $304 ($329)
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Aug 28–Sep 1
Arts and Imagination
Arts and Crafts
Participants discover their artistic side and let their imaginations soar. Projects may include sketching, painting, collage, beadwork, and more. Participants create masterpieces to take home and enjoy!
Grades 1–3 | $324 ($349)
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June 12–16
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June 26–30
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July 10–14
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July 24–28
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Aug 7–11
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Aug 21–25
Grades 4– | $324 ($349)
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June 19–23
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July 5–7 | $194 ($209)
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July 17–21
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July 31–Aug 4
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Aug 14–18
Dragons, Fairies and Friends
Participants let their imaginations soar in this magical fairytale-themed activity. Adventures will include themed arts and crafts, a mystical quest, and a royal celebration!
Pre K–K | $324 ($349)
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June 12–16
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July 5–7 | $194 ($209)
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July 24–28
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Aug 14–18
Grades 1–3 | $324 ($349)
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June 19–23
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July 5–7 | $194 ($209)
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July 17–21
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July 31–Aug 4
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Aug 14–18
Pirates
Arrrrrgh! Young buccaneers learn the swashbuckling lingo of pirates, play games like Capture the Pirate Flag, try their balancing skills as they walk the plank, go on treasure hunts, and much more.
Pre K–K | $324 ($349)
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June 19–23
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July 10–14
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Aug 7–11
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Aug 21–25
Grades 1–3 | $324 ($349)
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June 26–30
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July 10–14
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July 24–28
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Aug 7–11
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Aug 21–25
Superheros
BAM! POW! KAZAM! Kids think, dress, and act like superheroes! Activities include super games, super crafts, and super fun. Where else can kids spend the day exploring their superpowers as their alter-ego superheroes, meet other superheroes and save the world?
Grades 1–3 | $324 ($349)
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June 19–23
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July 5–7 | $194 ($209)
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July 17–21
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July 31–Aug 4
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Aug 14–18
Theater
Kids free their imaginations and develop improvisational skills! Participants explore the theater world through games, acting exercises, script rehearsals, and even performing for an audience.
Grades 4–6 | $324 ($349)
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June 19–23
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July 24–28
Horse Camp
Lil' Pardners
Participants in this specialty camp will have our youngest campers saying "howdy" with big grins. They'll spend a part of each day at the horse stables and say "giddy-up" for a pony ride, a hayride, and campfire sing-a-longs in the great outdoors!
Grades 1–3 | $324 ($349)
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June 12–16
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June 19–23
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June 26–30
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July 5–7 | $194 ($209)
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July 10–14
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July 17–21
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July 24–28
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July 31–Aug 4
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Aug 7–11
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Aug 14–18
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Aug 21–25
Colts
Colts is an approximately two-hour-per-day introductory program for campers with little or no experience around horses. First-time riders will build confidence and skills while learning the basics of western horseback riding. Instruction includes safety, leading, mounting, dismounting, reining, and basic riding. Kids spend the remainder of the day in traditional camp activities.
Grades 3–6 | $434 ($459)
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June 12–16
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June 19–23
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June 26–30
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July 5–7 | $260 ($275)
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July 10–14
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July 17–21
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July 24–28
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July 31–Aug 4
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Aug 7–11
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Aug 14–18
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Aug 21–25
Buckaroos
Buckaroos is an intermediate program for campers with at least one year of riding experience. Approximately two hours of daily instruction includes a basic skill review, intermediate ring riding, trotting, grooming, and saddling. The remainder of the day is spent in traditional camp activities.
Grades 4–7 | $434 ($459)
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June 12–16
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June 19–23
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June 26–30
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July 5–7 | $260 ($275)
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July 10–14
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July 17–21
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July 24–28
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July 31–Aug 4
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Aug 7–11
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Aug 14–18
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Aug 21–25
Circle Y
In Circle Y Camp, experienced riders spend ten hours per week in advanced riding instruction, including mounting, trotting, and ring work. Riders also learn about proper horse care, such as feeding, grooming, and saddling.
Grades 6–9 | $845 ($870)
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June 12–23
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June 26–July 7* | $182 ($197)
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July 10–21
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July 24–Aug 4
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Aug 7–18
*No program July 3–4.
Nature and Science
Critters and Crawlers
Participants become “Eco-Explorers” as they investigate the natural surroundings at camp. We will take nature treks to explore our camp environment and search for signs of local wildlife. Activities include bug safaris, nature hunts, and more!
Pre K–K | $324 ($349)
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June 26–30
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July 17–21
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Aug 7–11
Grades 1–3 | $324 ($349)
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June 12–16
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June 26–30
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July 10–14
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July 24–28
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Aug 7–11
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Aug 21–25
Fish, Frogs, and Forts
Filled with exploration and environmental education, we’ll focus on fort-building and discovering insects, fish, and frogs. Campers will take one field trip (weather permitting) to a local lake to learn basic fishing skills while practicing the catch-and-release method for shore fishing.
Grades 1–3 | $324 ($349)
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June 19–23
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July 10–14
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July 24–28
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Aug 7–11
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Aug 21–25
Junior Naturalist
Participants discover the finer points of preparing for a big outdoor adventure while learning a variety of useful camping skills that may include building a fire, making camp shelters, knot tying, campfire cooking, and more!
Grades 4–6 | $324 ($349)
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June 26–30
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July 10–14
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July 24–28
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Aug 21–25
Lake Exploration
Participants become “Eco-Explorers” as they investigate the natural surroundings at camp. We will take nature treks to explore our camp environment and search for signs of local wildlife. Activities include bug safaris, nature hunts, and more!
Grades 4–6 | $324 ($349)
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July 24–28
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Aug 14–18
Outdoor Living Skills
Participants discover the finer points of preparing for a big outdoor adventure while learning various practical camping skills, including building a fire, making camp shelters, knot tying, campfire cooking, and more!
Grades 1–3 | $324 ($349)
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June 19–23
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June 26–30
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July 17–21
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July 31–Aug 4
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Aug 14–18
Pioneering
Participants take an exciting trip back in time as they learn how the early pioneers lived. Kids will explore heritage foods, crafts, and activities from the 19th century.
Grades 4–6 | $344 ($369)
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June 26–30
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July 17–21
STEAM
Participants will spend the week engaged in hands-on, interactive projects. There will be lots of learning, using their imaginations, and exploring the indoors and outdoors at camp!
Grades 4–6 | $324 ($349)
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June 12–16
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June 19–23
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July 5–7 | $194 ($209)
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July 10–14
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July 17–21
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July 31–Aug 4
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Aug 14–18
Outdoor Action
Archery / Slingshot
Participants learn the fundamentals of archery, examine equipment close-up, and learn the science behind target shooting. Instructors teach proper grip, stance, and aim alignment. YMCA of the North provides equipment.
Grades 1–3 | $324 ($349)
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June 12–16
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June 26–30
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July 10–14
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July 24–28
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Aug 7–11
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Aug 21–25
Grades 4–6 | $324 ($349)
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June 19–23
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July 10–14
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July 24–28
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Aug 7–11
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Aug 21–25
Climbing / Challenge
Learn about basic climbing, belay techniques, knot tying, and safety. Challenge participants to test their strengths, strategy, and skill on our ropes courses.
Grades 4–6 | $344 ($369)
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June 19–23
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June 26–30
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July 5–7 | $206 ($369)
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July 10–14
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July 17–21
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July 24–28
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July 31–Aug 4
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Aug 7–11
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Aug 14–18
Water Action
Canoe / Kayak
Participants spend the whole week enjoying an incredible array of water activities, including boating, canoeing, kayaking, or swimming, along with other fun water games and adventures.
Grades 4–6
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June 26–30
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July 10–14
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July 17–21
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July 24–28
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Aug 7–11
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Aug 21–25
Fishing
Kids get hooked on fishing as they learn basic fishing skills. Local lakes and rivers provide the scene for fishing fun using the catch-and-release method. Campers can bring their pole and tackle or use equipment provided by YMCA of the North.
Grades 4–6
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June 12–16
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June 19–23
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June 26–30
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July 10–14
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July 17–21
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July 24–28
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July 31–Aug 4
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Aug 14–18
Sailing
Each day young sailors learn the basics of sailing and safety with YMCA instructors. Participants will be taught techniques and terminology for operating our fleet of sailboats as they practice their skills.
Grades 4–6 | $344 ($369)
The sailing camp will take daily field trips to Wayzata Community Sailing Center.
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June 12–16
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July 5–7 | $206 ($369)
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July 31–Aug 4
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Aug 14–18
Teen and Leadership
Teen Artist
Self-expression comes to life in this creative art camp! Your imagination becomes the window of discovery as you create original art. You will create masterpieces to take home and enjoy!
Grades 7–9 | $324 ($349)
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June 12–16
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July 24–28
Teen Canoe / Kayak
Embark on a canoeing/kayaking excursion full of adventure. Develop your paddling skills on the St. Croix River and learn boating safety as you experience the challenge of navigating the water!
Grades 7–9 | $324 ($349)
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July 10–14
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Aug 7–11
Teen Forkhorn I
Forkhorn I is designed for beginning hunters and provides extensive hands-on instruction in basic firearms safety and shooting techniques in rifle, shotgun, black powder, and archery.
Grades 7–9 | $324 ($349)
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July 10–14
Teen Lake Exploration
Participants learn about our local lake ecology through fishing, sailing, STEM, and water study. This experience features a daily field trip to area lakes sites to enjoy on-the-water programming.
Grades 7–9 | $344 ($369)
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June 26–30
Teen Photography
Learn the basics of digital photography and experience both portrait and landscape photography. Each day will be a different theme – from the viewpoint of an ant or include a tree as a subject. If possible, bring a digital camera or phone to take pictures during the week.
Grades 7–9 | $344 ($469)
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June 19–23
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July 17–21
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July 31–Aug 4
Teen Quest
Grades 7–9
Teen Quest is an exciting day camp program geared toward teens that want real outdoor fun! As a group quest, you will decide and plan out some of the camp activities and events throughout the week. This program develops valuable life skills such as open communication, team building, cooperation, and conflict resolution.
Grades 7–9 | $324 ($349)
Teen Quest campers will have a climbing experience at YMCA Camp Ihduhapi on Friday.
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June 19–23
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July 5–7 | $182 ($197)
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July 17–21
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July 31–Aug 4
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Aug 14–18
Teen Survival Skills
Develop your camping skills as you work together to set up camp and prepare for a big outdoor adventure while learning various helpful camping skills, including building a fire, building shelters, knot tying, campfire cooking, navigating maps, and more!
Grades 7–9 | $324 ($349)
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June 26–30
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July 10–14
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Aug 14–18
Leaders-In-Training
Discover your leadership qualities by learning to lead campers in activities and assist in planning the week for your group! The second week allows you to put those new skills to the test while you shadow a counselor and assist staff in camp activities.
Grades 7–9 | $479 ($504)
Experience camp from a new perspective, including doing an overnight sleepover at camp (on the second Monday of their LIT session) and a field trip to Camp Ihduhapi.
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June 12–23
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June 26–July 7* | $394 ($419)
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July 10–21
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July 24–Aug 4
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Aug 7–18
*No program July 3–4.
Junior Counselor
Do you love working with kids in an outdoor camp setting? Here's your chance to take a leadership role! Junior Counselors are assigned to a group and assist Counselors in leading and carrying out various Day Camp programs.
Ages 14–15
Previous experience in a LIT program or leadership experience working with children is preferred. Candidates will be selected through an application and interview process while gaining career readiness experience.
Contact Max Ostenso for more information: maxwell.ostenso@ymcamn.org or 763-230-6549.
A day camp lead staff member will reach out for an interview around mid-March to talk over details and information about the program. We ask for a minimum of a 3-week commitment. Hope to see you this summer!
2024 Application available in March.
Campers attending specialty camps will enjoy other traditional camp activities throughout the week.

Making Adventure Accessible
The YMCA offers need-based financial assistance to help people access the programs that are important to them.
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Our customer service team is always happy to help.